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sports special
Nebraska
vs.
Minnesota
pull out and save
for the game
Minnesota hopeful
despite polls
by Jim Johnston
The Minnesota Gophers were upset with the pre-season
publicity they received.
Most national publications picked the Gophers to finish in the
low-rent section of the Big Ten. Playboy Magazine, which has the
distinction of being the most accurate college football forecaster,
said the Gophers would finish in last with a 2-9 record.
"I don't care what those national magazines think," said
Minnesota quarterback Craig Curry. '"I think we're good enough
to win the Big Ten. We're going to 'surprise some people this year."
Gopher head coach Murray Warmath. starting his 18th year at
Minnesota, was cautious when he talked about the upcoming
season.
"I hope we develop over the summer." said Warmath. "If our
younger develop we're going to be all right."
The biggest problem facing Warmath was a lack of veteran
linemen. The Gophers, long known for their big linemen, dropped
into the second division of the Big Ten last season tor the first
time since 1963.
The reason was a leaky defensive line and the inability of the
offensive line to move a solid running game.
But both of those aspects of the Gopher attack had Warmath
smiling after the opening game against Indiana last Saturday. The
Minnesota defense forced five Indiana turnovers-three of which
turned into Minnesota touchdowns and held the Hoosiers
scoreless in taking a 28-0 win.
The Gopher offensive line cleared the way for 144 yards
rushing and gave Curry protection to throw for 100 yards.
Although Indiana didn't provide a true test, the game still showed
that the Gophers are an improved football team.
And it will take some improvement over last year if the
Gophers hope to stay in the game with Nebraska at Memorial
Stadium Saturday. The Cornhuskers have outclassed Minnesota
the laM two seasons, taking a 42-14 win in 9(, and a 35-10
decision last year.
The Gophers" hopes are riding on the running and passing of
Curry and the running of fullback t rnie Cook.
Curry, the total offense leader in the Big Ten last year, passed
for 1.315 yards and rushed for 25 during his junior season. He
threw three touchdown passes againt Indiana last week.
Curry's favorite target is tight end Doug Kingsnter. Kingsriter.
who stands 6-2. caught 26 passes for 362 yards last season despite
sitting on the bench during most of the first four games.
Curry presents a different problem in defending than what the
Huskers faced against Oregon's Dan Fouls. Fouts was a drop-back
quarterback, but Curry is cabable of throwing from the sprint
and is 3 more dangerous runner.
Curry has a habit of coming up with the big game against the
Gophers top opponents. Against nationally rated Ohio State last
season, for example. Curry set a new Big Ten single-game record
of 28 completions.
The Gopher running game is lead by fullback Ernie Cook who
led all Minnesota backs last season with 495 yards and an average
of 4.6 yards each carry . Cook caught the Huskers flat-footed last
year w ith a 45-yard scoring play from scrimmage.
The dominant figure in the Gopher defensive unit is all Big
Ten linebacker Bill Light. Light, the Gophers' captain, led the
conference in tackles last season.
The Gopher defensive line includes three sophomore linemen,
but the trio brings solid credentials from the Indiana game.
Nebraska, like Minnesota, has few changes in its starting lineup
from last week. The only changes in the Husker starting lineup
were forced because of injuries.
Junior Doug Jamail replaces injured Doug Dumler at center
and Jim Branch will take over for Bill Sloey si linebacker. Jerry
List, injured in the Oregon game, is still expected to start at tight
end.
Devaney said Nebraska's opener against the Ducks was the best
opening game of any of his Nebraska teams.
Minnesota doesn't present the same threat that Oregon
brought lo Lincoln. The Huskers biggest problem this week is to
not suffer from over-confidence.
PAGE 5
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FRIDAY. SEPTEMBER 17. 1971
THE DAILY NEBRASKAN
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